James J. Crocker

CROCKER, JAMES J. Jim passed away Wednesday evening, September 24, 2014 at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo. He was born on December 22, 1942 in Gleason, TN, the son of James W. and Bonnie L. Moore Crocker. In 1960, Jim graduated from Kalamazoo Central High School. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during the Vietnam Conflict. On September 29, 1976, he was married to the former Deborah K. Barton. Jim was a Deputy for the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Department for 26 years, until his retirement in 1998. Surviving are his wife of 38 years, Deborah Crocker; their four children, Jason Crocker of Kalamazoo, James Crocker of Lawton, Joshua Kasey Crocker of Brownsburg, IN and Jessica Crocker of Schoolcraft; two sisters, Barbara Otis Mitchell of Hackleburg, AL and Kay Larry Van Der Roest of Trezevant, TN; several nieces, nephews, cousins and his friend in retirement, Cracker Jack. Preceding him in death were his parents; brother, Larry Crocker and sister, Trelba Bennett. A funeral service for Jim will be held at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, September 30, at Langeland Family Funeral Homes, Portage Chapel, 411 E. Centre Avenue. Friends may visit with Jim's family from 5-8 PM on Monday, September 29, at the funeral home. Private inurnment will be Portage South Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be directed to Fraternal Order of Police - Greater Kalamazoo Lodge #98.